The Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern don’t want to see many departures over the next few weeks…

The Gunners are going well in the Premier League, but the fact that they have already dropped out of the top 4 is a worrying signal.

They are within touching distance, of course, so all is not lost – but Arsene Wenger must ensure that his squad continue to play well, and in that vein – he needs to ensure that he keeps his squad together, regardless of whether they are playing regularly.

However, despite the Gunners in the Tavern demanding that they keep their squad together, a couple of players have been linked with a move away – and our landlord thinks that it would be a disaster to see them depart.

For varying reasons, Arsenal need to ensure that everyone in their squad, including those on loan, stays with the Gunners, and Arsene Wenger must ensure that he does not make any transfer mistakes in the coming weeks.

With that said, Arsenal would be silly to axe these 2 players this month – Agreed?

Per Mertesacker

Per Mertesacker has been linked with a move away this month, via the Times, with Arsene Wenger reportedly keen to give the German a chance to earn a new contract on loan.

In reality, though, the deal would make very little sense. Mertesacker is a leading figure at Arsenal, and whilst Wenger’s squad is relatively inexperienced – Mertesacker has years of knowledge of playing at the highest level.

What’s more, Arsenal are not blessed with much defensive strength – with Mustafi and Koscielny the only central defenders to have impressed the Gunners in the Tavern – and so to sell one of their more experienced hands would be a huge mistake.

If Mertesacker leaves, Wenger will almost certainly have to sign a replacement – meaning that when the German returns at the end of the season, there may be no space for him.

Wojciech Szczesny

According to the Sun, Wojciech Szczesny is another player that could be set for a departure – with a sale to Roma reportedly on the cards.

He is, of course, currently on loan with the club, with Petr Cech currently reigning supreme between the sticks for Arsenal – but the veteran goalkeeper likely won’t be there for much longer.

Cech is 34-years-old, meaning that he is quickly entering the final few years of his career – meaning that Arsenal will shortly need a replacement.

Szczesny is a player that has impressed whilst away from the club, and as a result, he deserves a chance to come back and impress. Why waste money on another goalkeeper when Arsenal have a perfectly good one already in their ranks?